Peter Beadle

Waterfall-Wet Jacket Arm

Halls Arm, Doubtful Sound

Artist Profile:

Peter Beadle

Peter Beadle was born in 1933 and lives in the heart of the South Island's picturesque lake district. After 30 years of refining his craft, Peter is acknowledged as a leading New Zealand landscape artist.

The artist's work is a tribute to the grandeur of the high country, the startling drama of the lakes, the glory of the gold mining past. As Peter says: "This is the land of all seasons - burning hot Summers, dramatic yellow Autumns, biting cold Winters and the soft willow green of spring. It was once the mecca of the gold miner, now it's the mecca of the tourist who comes to view and ski.

Work by this artist is represented in the collections of Lloyds of London, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the New Zealand Marketing Board and ANZ Bank.

His oil paintings have been exhibited in New Zealand, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and hang in homes, hotels, airport lounges and historic buildings worldwide. Mr Beadle said it gave him great joy that a traditional artist was being recognized.

During the 1999 APEC world leaders visit, a work by Peter Beadle was presented to the former US President, Bill Clinton.

Peter has been honoured by the New Zealand government for his services to art and conservation.

He was one of three Queenstown residents named in the New Year’s Honours list, and was overwhelmed to become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to painting.

"In the art world, very little recognition is given to traditional, representational artists," he said.

Considered to be a master of light, Peter Beadle conveys a love of nature on canvas. He has also painted many portraits. On top of that, he has published several art books and books about areas of New Zealand, and prints, cards and calendars through his company Southwest Art.